Aswathy Menon impressed the Malayali audience with her amazing performance in the movie 'Sathyam Sivam Sundaram', almost 18 years ago. Though she was bombarded with opportunities from Malayalam and Tamil, she shocked everyone by bidding adieu to the movies. However, the pretty actress has recently made an amazing come back with Fahadh Faasil-starrer 'Role Models', and is all set to thrill the audience again.
Aswathy speaks to Onmanorama about her long sabbatical from the movies and experiences of her comeback.
Why did you suddenly quit movies?
'Sathyam Sivam Sundaram', which was released in 2000, was my debut movie. I did four more movies, but after that. I attended my final-year degree exams. Though I got good offers from Tamil as well, I couldn’t commit anything. Mine is an ordinary NRI family which gave prime importance to education. In fact I came to Kerala to pursue my higher studies. I returned to Dubai after doing 'Onnaman' with Mohanlal. I got a job there, and then it was a totally different life. But opportunities to act kept coming to me in many ways. I got the chance to perform in a few English plays. So I didn’t really miss out on acting.
How was your comeback after 18 years?
I made a comeback into the movies with 'Role Models' directed by Rafi. It was my husband and parents who supported me when I decided to act in movies again. My friends too had encouraged me. A play is usually two hours long, and we have to draw the attention of the audience within that time. I had to spend at least two months for the rehearsals and other preparations. Once my husband Vikas asked me, ‘How do you manage the office work amidst all these’? It was actually his words which made me decide to make a comeback into the movies. When I called Rafi sir he asked me to reach Goa, and thus I did the character in 'Role Models'.
How was your experience acting alongside Fahadh in 'Trance'?
After I returned with 'Role Models', director Anwar Rasheed’s wife, who is also my school mate, asked me whether I was ready to cut my hair for a character in Anwar’s next project. I told her that I was ready for it if it is a really good role. I am essaying the character called Kavitha in 'Trance'.
The 'Role Models' crew was familiar. 'Trance' was a different experience, with new people and unique energy. To act alongside Fahadh was indeed a great learning experience. Though I acted with him in 'Role Models' as well, we had more combination scenes in 'Trance'. I am eagerly waiting for the filming of its next schedule.
Do you observe any change in movies after all these years?
I think the narrative pattern of the movies has significantly changed. It has become simple and easy for the audience to relate. Recent movies like 'Parava' and 'Maheshinte Prathikaram' are really simple in its narrative style. Technically too, cinema has achieved great heights. Even the performances of the actors have improved a lot. Kunchacko Boban’s performance has improved a great deal; he has grown amazingly as an actor.
Do you regret taking a break from the movies?
I believe in fate. It was necessary that I took a break from the movies then. I got the opportunity to learn acting during this time. I got a scholarship at the New York Film Academy. I did a lot of plays there and learned more about acting and performance. I did miss out on some amazing movies and good characters. But destiny had something else in store for me. So I have no regrets that I took a break. I believe this indeed is the right time for me to do good movies.
On casting couch?
It was there when I began acting in 2000. I don’t think the situation has changed much. I had experienced it even now when I made a comeback. I have the freedom to decide which offers should I accept or turn down. I never faced any unpleasant experience on the sets.
